Monthly Archives: April 2018

Smoking Pot Inside Condos

A hot topic right now in the condo world touches on the Federal government’s push to legalize marijuana across Canada. Many condo owners are becoming increasingly concerned as legalization nears, with what legal rights and measures their respective buildings can take in order to prevent smoking pot inside condos and common areas in condo buildings. One condo board in Toronto near Sheppard and Don Mills wants to prohibit the smoking of cannabis, as it already gets countless complaints about marijuana odours wafting between units, triggering asthma and allergic reactions. – nowtoronto.com

Further, Ottawa Public Health agency recently made a recommendation to the province to outright ban smoking pot inside condos and apartments, including balconies. – cbc.com

The question is – Is it within the rights of Condominium Boards to ban this soon-to-be legal substance within privately owned units? According to Michelle Kelly, a specialist in condominium law, bans such as this are done by the Condo Corporation creating a rule (under Section 58 of the Condominium Act). – globalnews.com This rule would then be circulated to owners, and unless the owners call for a vote, and vote against it, it enters into force. Rules such as these are created in order to promote the safety, security or welfare of the owners, and to prevent unreasonable interference. Things such as the pungent smell of second-hand smoke could be considered a nuisance, and therefore a new rule would be reasonable.

Ontario Landlords are also becoming increasingly concerned with the upcoming legalization. The concern lies with the major financial cost that could be associated with removing the smell of marijuana after the tenant vacates. – nowtoronto.com Currently, landlords are able to ban smoking for new leases, yet with existing leases, it is illegal to modify any of the clauses before the natural end or termination of the lease.

An even further grey area is whether condominiums can ban smoking for those who have a medicinal license to do so. Many argue that medical consumers would be exempt under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which may result in a legal challenge by Condominium Boards. Needless to say, this hot topic is not going anywhere anytime soon.

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The Merit - 108 Ligar St Exterior Image Luxury Condos

Ottawa’s real estate market has been seeing good days. With strong sales and steady prices, both buyers and sellers are enthusiastic about the market as a whole. More young adults are considering purchasing their first home in Ottawa rather than in cities like Toronto and Vancouver where a need for affordable housing is slowly crippling those cities’ markets. This relative stability has injected an exciting shot of life into a slightly smaller, yet equally valuable part of the real estate market; luxury condos. Ottawa used to be a city of houses. Directly in the downtown core, residences were mostly traditional looking houses or, in the case of apartment buildings, simple structures that were rarely more than a few stories high.

In recent years, it’s almost a competition among talented firms to change the face of the city. Aesthetically pleasing luxury condos are being built as quickly as possible to meet demand amongst the city’s residents.

Ottawa Has A Brand New Face

Last year, Ottawa saw the resale of more than 24 luxury condos, each worth over $1 million. This is more than double the number sold in 2016. 2018 is also seeing the construction of various luxury projects like Keel and Roca Homes’ The Queen E. These buildings take modern living to a different level and are being snapped up by buyers eager to have the hotel experience in their homes. For instance, 1451 Wellington will invite residents to relax in their personal entertainment suites and will come complete with guest suites that are maintained by professional cleaning staff, along with a lap pool and an elite fitness centre.

While older, more traditional looking houses remain in areas like the Glebe and Centretown, there is no doubt that Ottawa’s real estate market is changing. Nearly every corner of the city’s core could be expecting a new luxury condo development. It’s a significant change from a few years ago when people balked at the idea of paying condo fees for amenities they felt they could do without.

The ‘New’ Luxury Condos Dweller

When noticing the changes in the market, the question inevitably arises about who is actually buying Ottawa’s luxury apartments. Property developers are excited because, unlike other cities where purchasers are typically well-established professionals, Ottawa’s homeowners occupy different demographics.

Older individuals who are looking to downsize, perhaps after their children have left the nest, are turning to condos as a headache-free option to access everyday luxury. There are also young professionals who are beginning to settle into their careers and adulthood. With a median annual salary of $86,000, the highest in Ontario, young adults working with businesses like Shopify or Pythian have fuller wallets to play with.

With the relative stability associated with living in the city, it’s no wonder people are more willing to spend top dollar on luxury developments they can actually enjoy.

It’s likely that Ottawa will be enjoying these good times for years to come. A strong economy, a safe city and a steady migration of skilled workers means housing will continue to be a great investment choice.

If you’re hoping to find the perfect luxury condo with all the perks your heart desires, drop us a quick email. As always, Ottawa’s Condominiums will be right in the middle of the action!

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1000 Wellington St #311 | Exclusive Listing at The Eddy - Ottawa's Condominiums

Looking for exceptional urban lifestyle living in one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighbourhoods? Welcome to The Eddy, winner of a 2016 Housing Design Award for the best-designed high-rise building in Ottawa, and one of the few LEED Platinum condos in Canada. Located in the heart of Hintonburg where you are within a 5-minute walk to the scenic Sir John A. MacDonald Riverfront Park, a wide assortment of restaurants, cafes, and trendy shops, as well as the new light rail Confederation Line (LRT). A sophisticated space to call home, this Exclusive Listing at The Eddy offers 2 Bed + Den and 2 Baths. This is one of the largest floor plans in the building at 1,079 sq ft along with a large south oriented balcony at 134 sq ft facing a quiet residential neighbourhood.

1000 Wellington St #311 | The Eddy | Exclusive Listing - Ottawa's Condominiums

A “soft loft” design with nine-foot ceilings, an industrial feel, and exposed concrete ceilings and ductwork. Pride in ownership is evident with over $20,000 in custom upgrades, including a generous addition to kitchen cabinetry, built-in closet storage, high-end blind system and more. The details in this condo have been carefully selected to compliment the builder finishes and create a clean style, with uncluttered lines and natural textures. A sweeping island is a focal point for entertaining in this contemporary white kitchen, along with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

The building adheres to the highest possible eco-friendly standards, with geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater recapture, low VOC finishes and the first puzzle parking garage in the city.  A spectacular rooftop terrace with outdoor lounge, fireplace, garden plots, & barbecues to be enjoyed with friends while watching the sunset over the Gatineau Hills and downtown Ottawa. This is the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for!

1000 Wellington St #311 The Eddy Exclusive Listing 3

If you are interested in visiting this spectacular condo or would like more information at this Exclusive Listing at The Eddy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Link to our virtual tour.

Exclusive Listing at The Eddy Key Details

List Price: $549,900

Square Footage: 1,079 sq ft + Balcony 134 sq ft = 1,213 sq ft

Number of Bedrooms: 2 + Den

Number of Bathrooms: 2

Number of Parking: 1

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